A loggerhead turtle released back into its natural habitat in 2022, after a year of rehabilitation, has traveled at least 9,203 kilometers since its release. The tracking data from Salina facilitated the execution of the “second satellite telemetry study with rehabilitated turtles in the Algarve,” as well as the first research “to integrate tracking information with genetic data, providing an in-depth insight into migratory patterns and the species’ population origin.”
“The use of the satellite transmitter was crucial for collecting continuous data on Salina’s journey, enabling the recording of movements, environmental patterns, and potential interactions with human activities. When six of the seven species of sea turtles are threatened, this data has deepened the understanding of migratory routes, feeding areas, and the links between Atlantic and Mediterranean populations, particularly of the loggerhead species,” stated Porto d’Abrigo – Centro de Reabilitação de Espécies Marinhas do Zoomarine, in a communiqué sent to newsrooms this Thursday.
The organization detailed that the device’s information also led to the preparation of the study “Tracking and Genetic Analysis of a Rehabilitated Loggerhead Turtle in the Mediterranean,” which delves into “understanding population origins, regional connectivity, and environmental factors influencing the species’ movement.”
“Salina’s journey demonstrates that the impact of Porto d’Abrigo extends far beyond rehabilitation and return to the sea. Each monitored animal becomes a valuable source of knowledge, capable of guiding research, informing public policies, and improving the protection of endangered marine species. It is this connection between science and conservation that amplifies the value of our work,” argued João Neves, Zoomarine’s Director of Conservation.
Fishermen in the Guadiana River rescued Salina, which was caught in fishing gear, showing signs of anemia and with a hook lodged in its stomach, in June 2021. After a year of intensive rehabilitation at Porto d’Abrigo, the turtle “fully recovered the physical condition and underwater behavior necessary to return to the sea.”
Once released, Salina crossed the Strait of Gibraltar in six days and then entered the Mediterranean. “In the following months, traversed the Alboran Sea, approached the coasts of Morocco and Algeria, crossed the Balearic Islands, skirted Sardinia, and settled between Sicily and Calabria,” the entity added.
The animal’s monitoring “enabled the mapping of routes, feeding areas, and environmental factors influencing the species’ presence and movements,” while “the genetic analysis conducted at the moment of release helped contextualize the turtle’s population origin.”
“Although monitoring ended due to the transmitter signal loss – something common given the limited battery life – it is known that Salina survived at least 392 days post-rehabilitation, maintaining behavioral patterns consistent with her species. The collected data now contribute to research and conservation of sea turtles, allowing the identification of critical areas and risk zones associated with fishing,” emphasized Porto d’Abrigo.
